Will the U.S. Army Have a Tank in 2020?

Abstract

The viability of the tank as a key weapon system on future battlefields is arguable given the proliferation of precision guided munitions, the extreme weight and logistical requirements of current tanks, and doctrine which increasingly emphasizes rapid strategic deployability. This paper discusses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of tanks today. It describes the tank capability the force will have in 2010 as part of Army XXI. Several relevant trends for after Army XXI are identified. Three possible scenarios for the tank in 2020 are identified: (1) an evolutionary heavy tank, (2) a revolutionary lighter tank, and (3) a system of systems that does not require a tank at all. The author concludes that tanks will still be part of the force even after Army XXI. Combat systems of 2020 will include selectively improved current tanks, a new lighter tank-like system, and new systems as part of a revolutionary rapidly deployable force which will not include anything like the current tank.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 15, 1998
Accession Number
ADA345869

Entities

People

  • Dennis J. Szydloski

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Tank Missiles
  • Armored Vehicles
  • Auxiliary Power Units
  • Combat Vehicles
  • Department Of Defense
  • Ground Control Stations
  • Guided Missiles
  • Information Systems
  • Land Warfare
  • Precision-Guided Munitions
  • Projectiles
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Turbines
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Unmanned Ground Systems
  • Urban Areas
  • War Colleges

Readers

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  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.